Chapter 6 Lesson 2

The Kingdom of Israel

Objectives

• Explain how the achievements of Saul, David, and Solomon led to the growth of the kingdom of Israel and the Jewish religion.

• Describe what everyday life was like for the ancient Israelites after their return to Canaan.

Vocabulary

• Territory – region

• Proverb - short sayings that express a truth about life

The Israelites Get a King 1020 BC: Southern Canaan

• The Israelites returned to Canaan 40 years after the Exodus and lived there as 12 independent tribes

• They were attacked and without unity had trouble fighting off their attackers

• They decided they needed to unite under one king, Saul, as the first ruler of the kingdom of Israel

Saul and David• Saul defeated many Israelites enemies and expanded

his kingdom• King Saul died in a war in about 1000 BC• David, of the tribe of Judah, became the new king• David was a strong ruler who established Jerusalem as

the center of government and religious life in Israel (capital)

• Jerusalem laid between the lands of David’s tribe, Judah’s and other tribes but did not belong to any single Israelite tribe

• David’s kingdom stretched from Egypt to Mesopotamia

The Kingdom of Solomon• After David died in 967 BC, his son

Solomon became next king of Israel

• Solomon’s reign was a peaceful one, marked by economic prosperity and numerous building projects

• All were funded by heavy taxes and completed with forced labor

• Trade agreements with Phoenicia and Egypt helped the economy grow

• Solomon also made alliances with Israel’s neighbors leading to peace during his rule

Life in Ancient Israel

• Judaism guided everyday life in Solomon’s peaceful kingdom; growth of religion

• High taxes and forced labor caused some people to be unhappy

• Men were farmers, metal workers, carpenters, weavers, government officials of soldiers

• Women cooked, cleaned, collected water, made clothing and some worked for wealthy Israelites

• Solomon was known for his proverbs

Impact of Ancient Israel• Covenant = formal agreement between

Hebrews and God (Yahweh); Hebrews worshipped God and only God, and in return, they would be God’s Chosen People and given Canaan as the Promised Land

• Spiritual ideas profoundly influenced Western culture, morality, ethics and conduct

• Three of the world’s most dominant religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam all derive their roots from the spiritual beliefs of the Ancient Israelites

Lesson 2 Summary

• The Israelites settled in Canaan. Attacks by unfriendly neighbors convinced them that they needed a king. Saul served as the first king. King David, the second King, expanded the kingdom. David’s son Solomon brought wealth and stability. He built a temple in Jerusalem. For the most part, life in the kingdom was peaceful.

How would the fact that Jerusalem did not belong to any single Israelite tribe make it a good

choice for Israel’s capital?

• Because no single Israelite tribe had control over Jerusalem, this may have reduced political struggles among the tribes.

How would the fact that Jerusalem did not belong to any single Israelite tribe make it a good choice for Israel’s capital?

What caused Israel to have a strong economy under King Solomon’s rule?

What caused Israel to have a strong economy under King Solomon’s rule?

• King Solomon established trade agreements with Phoenicia and Egypt. He created a large army to protect trade routes

What were some of the jobs ancient Israelites had?

What were some of the jobs ancient Israelites had?

• Metal workers, carpenters, weavers, government officials, soldiers

Why did King Solomon build a temple in Jerusalem?

• He wanted a place to worship god

Links

• Judaism Religion and Ethics• Ancient History Sourcebook- Israel• Ancient Israel